Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Only Connect...

“ONLY CONNECT…” E. M. Forster

Dear Friends of Lost In Living,

I’m in the homestretch of completing my film. But I still need at least $5000 to pay for the very experienced editor I’ve hired to finish the work she’s begun and to pay a small fee to the amazing composer who will create a completely original score for the entire film. That’s a big chunk of money, I know. If it wasn’t I wouldn’t be writing to you to help contribute to that amount. But I thought, wow, I have over 400 friends on Facebook. What if each person contributed $10 to my project? That would be such a tremendous help. Each of you would be contributing to a film that I’ve spent more than seven years working on. A film that speaks for so many mothers, women, parents, children, wives, husbands and friends who want to be engaged in what it means to be a creative and productive person in the world.

Some of you have already contributed and I am more than grateful. Your support has already gone a long way. With just a little more help this film will be finished by Summer 2012. Every person who contributes will have their name in the final credits of the film and every person who contributes $20 or more will receive their very own personal DVD of the film.

I’ve sent you the trailer and clips from the film. I’ve posted these numerous times on facebook. You have seen what the women in the film are sharing. Some of you have even shared your stories. Stories which are truly moving, honest and insightful. I thank you for that. It is obvious to me that this film is far reaching and allows people to open up about their situations: to share their experiences and connect.

Think of it this way, you are participating in a project that gives voice to people who often get mired in the every day lives of taking care of children, partners and a household. People who also have the deep desire and drive to create art and reach out to the rest of the world. For them this film is one way, sometimes the only way, for them to connect with others. They are saying and creating important and relatable things. You’ve seen the trailer, you’ve seen the clips – these women are deep thinkers who strive to be productive, vital and resonant. You can help them do that with this film. You can help yourself connect by actively participating. Whether it’s contributing financially, sharing your story, commenting on the blog or facebook page or emailing your feedback, I am so grateful and I am listening.

All you have to do is go to the website here and hit the donate button. There you can pay with a credit card or paypal. If you don’t feel comfortable contributing on the internet you can write a check to my non-profit 501(c)3 fiscal sponsor, “Filmmakers Alliance” and send it to me at 1218 East Palm Street, Altadena, CA 91001. You will receive a receipt from Filmmakers Alliance thanking you.

No contribution is too small and all contributions are fully tax-deductible. In addition to a financial contribution one of the most valuable ways you can support me is to forward this blog post to as many people as possible. I know many of you, like me, are also trying to raise money for your own projects and contributing will be a burden to you, as it would for me. What I hope is that we can help each other stay aware of our projects, so we can bring them up in conversation, spread the word and make sure our worthy projects get made.

Please become a fan on Facebook here and check back here for updates about the film.

Subscribe to the youtube channel here where you can see all the selected clips I have posted.

I hope you will consider making a $10 contribution to the film and then passing this message on to your friends and family who will resonate with this project. Please know I also completely understand if you simply can’t or don’t want to contribute. I get it. We all have our specific interests and we should all respect them. And I thank you for listening to me and reading this letter.